A Separate Country ~ Book Review and Giveaway!

Flooded with the dark and languid richness and exoticism of the south, A Separate Country is a love story of heartrending depth set in nineteenth century New Orleans. A Separate Country chronicles the life of famous or perhaps infamous confederate army general, General John Hood-- a man who lives his life haunted by his murderous warring past. Through the writings of General Hood and his beautiful wife Anna Marie one discovers the depths of love, the pain it causes to those who feel they don't deserve it, and the lifelong suffering deception, and horrific secrets can cause. Hood sought redemption for his sins, from his haunting memories:

"Once the massacre began, there was no stopping them. One killing leads to the next, and so on. A man changes when he's killed someone, so much of what was possible for him in life becomes impossible: innocence, grace, forgiveness, sweetness. A killer is always a killer, ad once the possibility of redemption disappears there is only anger: at a world that led to damnation, at the dead themselves, at whoever was at hand." (Hicks 2009:165)

Robert Hicks' lyrical style, his beautifully dark and exotic context are exactly what I look for in a historical novel. I want to be enticed; I want to be drawn to the characters as true and authentic; I want to feel a deep connection to the setting and times. Hicks adds colour and depth to the past as an artist adds hues and dimension to a preliminary sketch! My heart wrenching with Hood's fear and guilt, and it aching with Anna Marie's unconditional love. I was engaged and engrossed by the couple's love and devotion in the face of adversity, hatred, and loss.

An epic true story of love and redemption set against the textured, richly hued backdrop of New Orleans A Separate Country by Robert Hicks is a meticulously researched must read for those in love with historical novels. Now five Northern Mama readers will have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the exotic and separate country of nineteenth century New Orleans! Yes Five copies of A Separate Country are up for grabs!

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Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes October 15th, 2009 10:00pm CT. For further details read Giveaway Rules.